Full Breakdown
NCERT Introduces AI and Computational Thinking Module for Grades 9-12
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Core Event: Launch of a 20-Hour AI Curriculum for Secondary Students
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released an introductory, activity-based module on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Classes 9-12. Designed for learners with no prior exposure to AI, the 20-hour program is organized into five units that cover everyday AI applications, machine-learning basics, AI errors, data-privacy and responsible use, and effective prompting of AI tools. The material emphasizes hands-on exercises, discussions, experimentation and reflection, and can be delivered with or without digital devices to accommodate schools with varying resources.
Background & Context
The module aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which calls for the integration of emerging-technology literacy into school curricula. It builds on an earlier initiative: on April 2, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) launched a structured CT-and-AI curriculum for Classes 3-8, allocating 50 hours annually for Classes 3-5 and 100 hours for Classes 6-8 to develop AI readiness from an early age. The new NCERT module extends this phased approach to the secondary stage, providing a bridge between foundational concepts and more advanced applications.
Key Figures & Groups
- Dinesh Prasad Saklani – Director, NCERT; oversees the development of the module and authored the foreword.
- Praneet Mungali – Educationist, trustee of the Sanskriti Group of Schools, Pune; highlighted the significance of early AI education for future-ready skills.
- Dr Jyoti Arora – Principal, Mount Abu Public School, Delhi; emphasized the module’s role in fostering responsible technology use.
- Faculty members from IIT Madras and IIT Jodhpur; contributed to the curriculum design and content creation.
Data & Statistics
- Total instructional time: 20 classroom hours, as outlined in NCERT’s teaching plan.
- Units: Five thematic units covering AI in daily life, machine learning, AI errors, data privacy and responsible use, and AI prompting.
- Activity modes: Device-based individual or pair work, teacher-led demonstrations, and “unplugged” paper-based exercises, enabling implementation in schools with limited connectivity.
- CBSE precursor hours: 50 hours per year for Classes 3-5 and 100 hours per year for Classes 6-8 (April 2 launch).
Official Statements & Responses
The agency stresses that the experiential approach prioritizes practical engagement over rote memorization.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The module encourages students to become informed, confident, and responsible users of technology, while reinforcing that human judgement, creativity, and ethical responsibility remain central to learning,” — NCERT, director
- “It introduces Computational Thinking (CT) as a systematic approach to solving problems and helps learners understand how AI works, its applications, possibilities, and limitations,” — NCERT, director
- “It introduces CT as a systematic approach to solving problems and helps learners understand how Al works, its applications, possibilities, and limitations,” — NCERT, director
- “The module adopts an experiential, activity-based learning approach through discussions, practical exercises, experimentation, and reflection. Activities can be conducted with or without digital devices, ensuring meaningful participation across diverse school contexts,” — NCERT, director
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All consulted sources present a consistent description of the module’s structure, objectives and pedagogical approach. No substantive discrepancies or missing information were identified across the reports.